Economic Committee Approves: Next International Airport to be in Nevatim

The Economic Committee of the Knesset, led by MK David Bitan, approved yesterday for first reading two legislative proposals, one by MK Ram Ben Barak and the other by MK Almog Cohen, according to which the next international airport to be built will be in Nevatim. Chairman Bitan noted during the discussion that a confidential meeting that was supposed to take place was canceled after the Ministry of Defense raised difficulties, and clarified that what is important is that the planning and construction of the field in Nevatim will be completed within five years.

Dimona Mayor, Benny Biton, said that this is not a matter of right or left, but of David Ben-Gurion's vision of settling the Negev, and added that more than 80 Knesset members want to establish the field in Nevatim, many of whom supported it before they became defense ministers.

The representative of the Ministry of Defense, Shani Elder, said that there is no intention to raise difficulties, but there are significant and substantive security considerations and the consistent professional position is the impracticability of the Nevatim alternative. She added: "We were asked to formulate an updated situation assessment against the backdrop of the lessons of the war, and we intend to turn to the cabinet." MK Ben Barak, former chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee and deputy head of the Mossad, noted that the issues raised by the security establishment in the Foreign Affairs and Defense debate can be resolved. Chairman Bitan said that Ben Barak's position is acceptable to him.

The head of the Transportation Department in the Planning Administration, Ilana Shapira, said that the administration will expedite the processes as much as possible, and added that information is needed from the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Transportation needs to complete the environmental impact review. MK Ben Barak asked whether the Ministry of Defense cooperated in Ramat David and did not cooperate in Nevatim, and Shapira referred to this and said that data is missing from the Ministry of Defense.

Chairman Bitan said: "We will not tolerate foot-dragging and will consider personal liability towards anyone who delays. This is a national project and it needs to be done quickly."

The Minister of Environmental Protection, Idit Silman, noted that the Ramat David alternative was examined in her office and found to be unsuitable, so Nevatim could be a good alternative, but it needs to be examined in an orderly manner and her office intends to do this as quickly as possible. She added that a decision needs to be made according to which the Ministry of Defense will transfer the data, and then a quick check can be carried out.

Against this background, the committee approved for first reading that the next international airport to be established in Israel will be established in Nevatim. In addition, it was approved that the planning processes will be completed by the end of 2025. Chairman Bitan added that what is important is that the planning and construction processes will be completed within five years.

At the end of the discussion, the proposal was unanimously approved, with the votes of Chairman Bitan, MK Cohen, MK Ben Barak, MK Alon Shuster, MK Keti Shitrit, MK Yasmin Friedman and MK Shalom Dahan.